Best Space Photos of the Week – Oct. 3, 2015

Hurricane Joaquin Seen by the GOES West Satellite

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted this image of Hurricane Joaquin obtained by its GOES West satellite on Oct. 1, 2015. They wrote on Facebook: "Many portions of the eastern U.S. are currently experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds associated with a frontal system. These heavy rains are likely to continue for the next few days, even if the center of Joaquin stays offshore." [Read the full story.]

Satellites Watch Hurricane Joaquin Grow Into Category 4 Storm

Interacting Galaxies

Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/Coelum

Two galaxies, NGC 4302-4298, interact as their gravitational fields pull at each other. The disturbed extended stellar halos of these two similar galaxies reveal the tidal interaction. We see one galaxy edge-on, with a dust lane showing the thin galactic disk of younger stars. The other galaxy shows the same central structure as a blue swirl. Image released September 2015. [Read the full story.]

Night Boat To Cairo

NASA

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly photographed the Nile River from the International Space Station on Sept. 22, 2015. On Twitter he wrote: "Day 179. The #Nile at night is a beautiful sight for these sore eyes. Good night from @space_station! #YearInSpace." [Read the full story.]